Good vision helps children learn and explore the world

Good vision helps children take an active part in learning, stay focused and feel confident in their everyday activities. However, children may not realise that their vision could be better. If the world has always looked a certain way to them, they have no reason to expect it to look any different. This is why it is important to pay attention to your child’s vision even if they do not complain about any problems.

Why is good vision so important for children?

Much of the information children receive at school is visual. They need to see clearly at close range when reading a textbook or writing in a notebook, as well as at a distance when looking at the board. Their eyes also need to switch comfortably between different viewing distances throughout the day. If a child’s vision is not clear enough or their eyes have to work too hard to see clearly, they may not necessarily say, “I can’t see properly.” Instead, the signs may include tiredness, headaches, difficulty concentrating or reluctance to read.

Sometimes it may seem that a child simply struggles to concentrate or gets tired of studying quickly, when vision-related discomfort could be one of the underlying causes. Good vision supports much more than learning. It is also important for movement, sports, hand-eye coordination and everyday activities.

A child’s vision develops as they grow

Vision develops alongside the child. During the first years of life, the eyes and brain gradually learn to work together, developing visual acuity, depth perception and coordination between the two eyes. Once a child reaches school age, the demands placed on their vision increase considerably. Reading, writing, looking at the board and using digital devices require the eyes to refocus constantly between different distances throughout the day. An uncorrected vision problem can affect both visual development and a child’s everyday comfort. This is why it is important to identify potential vision problems as early as possible and consult a specialist when necessary.

What signs may indicate a vision problem?

Children are very good at adapting and may not realise that they see differently from other people. Parents should therefore pay attention even to small changes in their child’s habits or behaviour.

It may be a good idea to have your child’s vision checked if they:

• frequently squint;
• complain of headaches or tired eyes;
• rub their eyes often;
• sit unusually close to the television or other screens;
• hold a book or phone unusually close to their face;
• complain that they cannot see the board or distant objects clearly;
• tire quickly when reading or avoid reading;
• lose their place while reading or use a finger to follow the text;
• tilt their head when looking at something;
• close or cover one eye;
• have a noticeable eye turn;
• appear to have difficulty judging distances or seem unusually clumsy.

One of these signs on its own does not necessarily mean that a child needs glasses. However, if the symptoms recur or cause concern, it is a good idea to have their vision checked.

Common vision problems in children

Myopia (short-sightedness)

A child with myopia usually sees objects at close range clearly, while objects further away appear blurred. At school, one of the first signs may be difficulty seeing the board clearly, even though the child has no trouble reading a textbook or looking at a phone. They may start squinting, prefer to sit closer to the board or ask classmates what has been written on it. Myopia can progress as a child grows, which is why regular monitoring is important. Today, there are also specially designed myopia-control spectacle lenses for children. In addition to providing clear vision, these lenses are designed to help slow the progression of myopia.

Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

A certain degree of hyperopia is common in children, and young eyes are often able to compensate for it effectively. With higher levels of hyperopia, however, the eyes need to work harder to maintain clear vision. This may result in tired eyes, headaches or discomfort when reading or doing other activities that require prolonged near vision.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism can make vision less clear at both near and far distances. A child may squint, experience visual fatigue or find prolonged reading and concentration uncomfortable. Because children may not know what truly clear vision is supposed to look like, astigmatism can sometimes go unnoticed until their vision is professionally checked.

Strabismus

Strabismus occurs when the eyes are not both directed at the same point at the same time. In some cases, the eye turn is easy to notice, while in others problems with eye coordination may not be obvious in everyday life. If you notice a persistent or recurring eye turn, your child should be examined by an ophthalmologist, as good coordination between the eyes is important for normal visual development.

Amblyopia (lazy eye)

Amblyopia occurs when vision in one eye has not developed as well as in the other. The brain begins to favour the stronger eye, while vision in the weaker eye may fall behind in its development. Amblyopia can be caused by strabismus, a significant refractive error or a considerable difference in prescription between the two eyes. As a child’s visual system is still developing, detecting amblyopia as early as possible is important. An ophthalmologist will determine whether treatment is required and which treatment is most appropriate.

Screens and children’s eyes

Phones, tablets and computers have become part of children’s everyday lives, and screen use tends to increase once they start school. Long periods of uninterrupted near work can make the eyes feel tired, so it is worth teaching children healthy visual habits from an early age. Encourage regular breaks from close-up activities, looking into the distance from time to time and spending time outdoors every day. These habits are particularly important for children who have developed myopia or have a family history of short-sightedness.

When should you have your child’s vision checked?

There is no need to wait until your child says they can no longer see the board clearly. A vision check is worth considering if you notice changes in your child’s reading or viewing habits, if they experience tired eyes or if you simply have concerns about their vision.

Before starting school is also a good time to pay particular attention to a child’s vision. Regular checks remain important throughout the school years as the visual demands of studying increase.

You should consider having your child’s vision checked if:

• they say they cannot see clearly at a distance or close up;
• reading or other near work tires them quickly;
• they frequently experience headaches or tired eyes;
• they squint, tilt their head or close one eye;
• you notice an eye turn;
• there is a family history of significant myopia or eye disease;
• a school nurse, family doctor or another healthcare professional has recommended an additional vision assessment.

Children’s vision checks at Pro Optika

Children from the age of 7 can have their vision checked by an optometrist at Pro Optika. During the vision check, the optometrist assesses the child’s visual acuity and determines whether glasses may be needed, helping to find a suitable solution for the child’s individual vision needs.

If the examination identifies anything that requires further medical assessment, the optometrist will recommend consulting an ophthalmologist. For children under the age of 7, we recommend seeing an ophthalmologist first. An ophthalmologist should also be consulted if your child has strabismus, there is a suspected eye disease or they have other symptoms that require medical assessment.

Good vision gives children a better start at school

New textbooks, a school bag and pencils are all a natural part of getting ready for school. Making sure your child can see clearly – both the board and the pages in front of them – is just as important.

Children may not always know how to tell you that their vision could be better. A professional vision check can provide a clearer picture of their visual needs and help ensure that the right solution is found at the right time.